Do You Have to Replace a Missing Tooth

Losing a tooth almost always constitutes a dental emergency, and it’s important to see a dental professional as soon as possible! While many people, especially those with high pain tolerances, may shrug off such an experience- it should always be taken seriously!

To learn more about why, lets dive into what causes us to lose a tooth, what options we have to replace it, and what happens if we chose not to!

Losing a Tooth

There are several things that can lead to losing a tooth, including tooth decay, trauma, and even gum disease! 

Decay occurs when the enamel of the tooth breaks down, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth. This can cause the tooth to break or fall out. Trauma to the mouth can also lead to losing a tooth. This can happen if you fall, receive a hit to the face, or if you’re in an accident.

 Gum disease is another leading cause of tooth loss, as the gums become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. With a receding foundation, the teeth can fall victim to falling out completely!

Most of these can be avoiding by practicing proper oral care habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily too, and practicing a well-balanced diet and lifestyle like avoiding tobacco use. However, as mentioned above, trauma to the face is actually one of the most common causes of losing a tooth and even the safest of us can experience a freak accident every once in a blue moon.

The Options

After losing a precious member of your smile, its important to get it rectified as soon as possible! And this can present itself in many approaches. Let’s take a look at the many ways a dental professional can restore a missing tooth!

In Case of Emergency

Losing a tooth can be a shocking experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take action quickly. The first step is to find the tooth. If it’s clean, try to insert it back into the socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva. It’s important to keep the tooth moist because there’s a small chance that it can be reinserted by a dental professional.

Next, call your dentist or an emergency dental clinic. Many dental insurance plans cover dental emergencies, so you may not have to pay anything out of pocket. Finally, try to avoid eating hard or chewy foods until you’ve seen a dental professional. With a little luck and some quick thinking, you can minimize the impact of losing a tooth.

Bridging What’s Left

When you lose a tooth, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. Not only does this help to restore your smile, but it also helps to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place. One way to replace a missing tooth is with a dental bridge. 

A dental bridge is made up of two crowns that are placed over the adjacent teeth. These crowns act as anchors, holding the bridge in place. The false tooth, known as a pontic, is then fused between the two crowns. Dental bridges are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, making them durable and long-lasting. If you’re missing a tooth, be sure to talk to your dental professional about dental bridges.

A Brand-New Implant

Dental implants are a popular way to replace missing teeth. The process involves placing a metal (often titanium) post directly into the jawbone permanently, which acts as a replacement for the tooth root. Once the post is in place, a dental professional will then cap it off with an artificial tooth. 

Dental implants are considered to be a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth, and they can help to improve the appearance of your smile. In addition, dental implants can also help to preserve the health of your remaining teeth, and often last upwards of twenty-five years if cared for properly!

The Dangers of Avoiding Tooth Replacement

Many people believe that they can save money by not replacing a missing tooth. While it’s true that the initial cost of replacement can be quite high, there are a number of dangers associated with leaving a gap in your smile. 

First, the empty space can cause the teeth around it to shift, resulting in an uneven bite and affecting your ability to chew properly. Second, the gap provides an ideal entry point for bacteria, which can lead to serious infection, and an increased risk for tooth decay and gum disease to develop and progress rapidly. Third, missing teeth can cause changes in your jawbone, resulting in further dental problems down the road. 

Ultimately, while it may seem like an expense you can avoid, not replacing a missing tooth can actually end up costing you more in the long run. So, if you’re considering skipping dental treatment to save money, think again, and contact your nearest dental professional immediately!